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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

5 world stars Al-Nassr could target to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia

Al-Nassr pulled off the biggest transfer coup in their history this week by finally sealing a deal for Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

After months of speculation, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner finally put pen to paper on a lucrative deal that will make him the highest-paid player in the world last week. Ronaldo, 37, is expected to spend the majority of his twilight years in Saudia Arabia with the hope that his arrival can elevate football in the Middle East to new heights.

Rather than resting on their laurels, it is believed that Al-Nassr have their sights set on a host of other high-profile names to line up alongside Ronaldo in the coming months. Mirror Football takes a look at five familiar faces who could join Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia...

1. Luka Modric

Modric is seemingly poised to extend his stay at Real Madrid for another year after starring for Croatia during their run to the World Cup semi-finals, but that hasn't prevented Al-Nassr from earmarking the veteran playmaker for a future move.

That is according to Marca, who claim that the Al-Nassr hierarchy have designs on reuniting Modric with Ronaldo, who he played alongside at the Bernabeu.

Modric, 37, has turned down proposals from elsewhere but has told interested parties to return in 2024 - indicating that he could be tempted away from Madrid next summer for one final payday before hanging up his boots.

2. Sergio Ramos

Join the debate! Who do you think Al-Nassr will attempt to sign next? Let us know here.

The same report from Marca claims that Al-Nassar also have their sights set on Ramos, whose current deal at Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire this summer.

Ramos, 36, is still a regular for the French giants but there is every chance he could be persuaded to take on a new challenge if he elects to run down his deal in Paris.

The former Champions League and World Cup winner would be another huge addition for the Saudi Arabian league - and would complete a three-man Real Madrid reunion with Ronaldo and Modric if all went to plan.

3. N'Golo Kante

A former two-time Premier League winner, Kante has been one of the most effective midfielders in recent top-flight history - but his long-term future at Chelsea is still far from certain.

The Blues are yet to agree fresh terms with the 31-year-old, who will be a free agent in the summer and has been linked with a move overseas.

Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona have been in talks with the Frenchman over a pre-contract agreement, however, Sport are reporting that Al-Nassr could hijack the move and attempt to lure Kante to the Middle East.

4. Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino has still not signed a new deal with Liverpool (Getty Images)

Liverpool and Firmino are still locked in a contract stand-off - and apparently, the Brazilian forward is another high-profile star who has interest from the Middle East.

Al-Nassr are reportedly not amongst the clubs showing an interest in Firmino at present, however, that could stand to change in the coming weeks.

The latest reports have indicated that Firmino is now 'leaning towards' extending his stay at Anfield. But until a deal is done, the 31-year-old is likely to continue attracting interest.

5. Toni Kroos

If Al-Nassr are unable to convince Modric to move to the Middle East, they could turn their attention to Kroos.

The Bernabeu maestro, 34, is also due to be a free agent in the summer and could be tempted overseas for one final adventure before calling time on his trophy-laden career.

Real Madrid are keen on extending Kroos' Bernabeu stay, however, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming recently that he believed the German playmaker would not be moving on.

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